A Century Of Service The Alabama Farm Bureau Federation was founded in 1921 to give farmers a voice in local, state and national affairs. For a century, the group’s grassroots efforts have remained constant.
By Debra Davis century. One hundred years. A Ten decades. That’s how long the Alabama Farmers Federation has
represented farmers, giving them a voice in local, state and national affairs affecting their livelihood. While the organization focuses on the future of agriculture, it’s important to recognize and honor the past, especially in its centennial year. In 1921, Alabama Extension Service Director L.N. Duncan asked farmers, bankers and businessmen to form a farm organization. Those groups met Jan. 31 at Alabama Polytechnic Institute
Alabamian Edward O’Neal, pictured speaking in Chicago, served as American Farm Bureau Federation president from 1931-1947. 6
|
NEIGHBORS
|
December/Winter 2021
(now Auburn University) and voted to form the Alabama Farm Bureau, now known as the Alabama Farmers Federation. The organization’s stated purpose was simple. “The object of this Federation shall be to effectively organize, advance and improve in every possible way the agricultural interests of the great commonwealth of Alabama, economically, educationally and socially through the united efforts of the county organizations of the state.” Two years prior, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) formed in Chicago to give farmers a seat at the table with major economic players — business, manufacturing, railroads and labor. The relationship between Extension and Farm Bureau was mutually beneficial. Duncan sought to maximize Extension’s service and effectiveness while increasing benefits to farmers. County agents were a major force in organizing local groups, often collecting dues and soliciting memberships. Montgomery County, led by Charles W. Rittenour, was the first county to formally organize in April 1921. Rittenour was county president and was elected the first president of Alabama Farm Bureau. Annual dues were $10. Organizations soon formed in Lauderdale, Limestone, Hale, Calhoun, Autauga, Geneva and Baldwin counties.
It wasn’t long before Dale, Pickens, Lee, Pike and Colbert counties organized. In less than a year, 55 counties had united. Three years later, Wilcox County joined, formalizing memberships in all 67 counties. After successfully improving cotton prices by forming a marketing association in 1922, membership sprouted to 17,000. Growth prompted establishment of the organization’s first home office building in Montgomery in 1922. In 1923, Edward O’Neal III, the first president of the Lauderdale County Farm Bureau, was elected Alabama Farm Bureau president. The organization experienced exponential growth under his leadership, catapulting him to AFBF president in 1931, a position he held until 1947. Robert Croom served the remaining three months of O’Neal’s term as state president, followed by John Edwards (1931-38); William Howard Gray (1938-40); Walter Randolph (1940-61); J.D. Hays (1961-78) Goodwin L. Myrick (1978-1998); Jerry A. Newby (1998-2012); and Jimmy Parnell (2012-present). O’Neal’s political prowess parlayed into work with the nation’s highest government officials. Serving as AFBF president through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, O’Neal developed a relationship with then newly elected U.S. alfafarmers.org
